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What is Umrah? In Arabic, the word 'Umrah is derived from I'timaar which means a visit. However, 'Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka' bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of 'Umrah puts off his Ihraam by having his hair shaved or cut. 'Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well. 'Umrah can be performed during anytime in the year, there is no fixed time for 'Umrah. The Pillars of `Umrah are four:
a) Ihraam: which is assumed at the Meeqaat
b) Tawaaf: around the House.
c) Sa'y: walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.
d) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihraam. During 'Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Minaa, 'Arafaat and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are only performed during Hajj.
How to perform 'Umrah: 1. When the one who wants to perform 'Umrah arrives at the Meeqaat, it is recommended for him (both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihraam garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqaat.
2. Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimaar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbaab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down, if there is need to do so.
Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqaat to begin the rites of 'Umrah by entering the state of Ihraam. The intention must be made in the heart, while the statement made afterwards is: "Labayka 'Umrah" or "Allahumma labbayka 'Umrah". This statement begins the rites of `Umrah. So the first pillar of `Umrah is the Ihraam. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyyah. And if you wish, when uttering Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allaah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear - saying "in habasanee haabes fa mahillee haithu habastanee" (I come out of the state of Ihraam from the place You prevent me from continuing). So if you do that and are then prevented or become ill - then you may come out of Ihraam. Then repeat the Talbiyyah: "labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak" (“In response to your call O Allaah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allaah. In response to Your call. You have no partner. In response to Your call. All Praise and Blessings, and the Ownership of all that You created is Yours (alone). You have no partner”) Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right foot and say: "Bismillaah, Allaahumma Salli 'Alaa Muhammad, Allaahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allaah! O Allaah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allaah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me)." You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.
3. Upon arriving at the K'abah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn't possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, the following is said: "Bismil-laah, Allaahu Akbar" (In the name of Allaah, Allaah is the Greatest) or "Allaahu Akbar" (Allaah is the Greatest). A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka'bah on his left. When you reach the Yamaani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: "Bismil-laahi wa Allaahu Akbar". If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying "Allaahu Akbar" because this was not narrated from the Prophet on the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the black stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, "Bismillaah Allaahu Akbar", if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, "Bismillaah, Allaahu Akbar".
During this Tawaaf it is preferred for a man to do two things: a) Al-Idhtibaa' from the beginning of Tawaaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one's Redaa' under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaaf, you may return your Reda' to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa' is only during Tawaaf.
b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps. Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allaah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allaah :"...Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire." [Quran; 2:201]
4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): "And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer... " [Quran; 2:125] Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqaam Ibraheem. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rak'ah the chapter "Al-Kafiroon" [109] and during the second one the chapter of “Al-lkhlaas” [112]. Upon completing the two Rak'ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient
5. The next stage is to go to Safaa. Upon approaching the foot of Safaa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or 'Umrah of the house (ka 'bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]
6. Then climb unto mount Safaa until the Ka'bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication: "Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa 'alaa qulli shay'in qadeer. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wahdahu, anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu" (Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone, Who has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)
7. Then descend and go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safaa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safaa for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safaa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) - thus completing two circuits. There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah. Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of 'Umrah have now been completed

NEW UMRAH VISA RULE: Saudi Consulate has just announced that Umrah Visa is VALID for only ONE MONTH and 30 days stay.

Umrah Requirements:
• Umrah, when performed independent of Hajj is OPTIONAL.
• However, if you are performing Hajj, then at least TWO Umrah
SHOULD be performed at the time of Hajj. Those Umrah are part
of the requirements of Hajj.
• Umrah can be performed at anytime during the year.

Umrah Rites: (Specific Rites for FIRST Umrah (outline)

• You MUST arrive in Makka in a state of Ihram.
• Proceed to Masjid-ul-Haram to perform Tawaf.
• After completing Tawaf, pray two rakaat behind Maquamu Ibraheem and drink Zamzam.
• You then perform Saiy.
• Finally, end your Umrah by shaving your hair. It is preferred that men shave head completely. Women should clip at least one and a half inch of hair.

Rites for SUBSEQUENT Umrah (outline):

• Leave for the Miquat from Makka.
• ake a bath, use perfume (men only; women do not put on perfume) and then put on the Ihram.
• Say two Rak'a prayer at the Miquat and make the Niyya for Umrah.
• While reciting the Talbiya, proceed back to Makka.
• When you reach Makka, perform Tawaf.
• After completing Tawaf, pray two Rak'a behind Maquamu Ibraheem, drink Zamzam, and perform Saiy.
• Again, end your Umrah by passing the razor over your head so any new stubs of hair are shaved off. Women should also clip at least one and a half inch of hair everytime after performing Umrah.

Umrah In Ramadan:

Compiled in Abu-Dawud's , "The Rites of Hajj", (Book 10), Hadeeth narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas , Prophet Muhammad, (pbuh) has said:

"To perform Umrah in Ramadan is like performing Hajj in my company."

Although, the reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to a Hajj. It is NOT a substitute for Hajj. Hajj is the obligatory once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.

Umrah Travel:

Umrah travel and arrangements are very similar to Hajj travel and arrangements.

Umrah Notes:

Refer to Other Books/Videos with DETAILED information about Hajj & Umrah.

You are advised to select authentic books that conform to your "madhab".

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